Banning Museum Wisteria

It’s that time of year when we are greeted by a beautiful explosion of purple wisteria. I’ve been watching it unfold for several weeks now, its Wisteria. Inch by inch; the flowering buds march down toward the tip of blossom. Eventually, the vine becomes a waterfall of cascading purple petals.

Breathtaking in full bloom it always makes my heart happy. Who doesn’t love wisteria, the endless blooms that blanket the ceiling of a terrace, balcony or pergola? They are so delicately intoxicating and whimsical, especially when floating in a soft spring breeze. The Wisteria is one of the best ornamental vines stemming from the beauty of its drooping colorful purple curtain of scented flowers in spring and summer. Because of the plant’s lifespan and elegance, it is thought to be a symbol of wisdom, longevity, and endurance.

Sadly, the wisteria boom cycle is relatively short- a couple of weeks at best. It gives all it has, while it has it. Then as quickly as it blooms, it wilts, let’s go, and is scattered by the wind.

As magical as Wisteria are, they do come with a commitment, a relationship commitment, if you will. However, unlike most relationships were give and take is necessary for the success of the long term commitment, this one is a bit one-sided as you must be completely dominant and show them who’s in charge. Pruning is a necessary for wisteria. Why? Because not only are wisteria vines extremely tough and durable. Left unattended, they will most assuredly become a nightmare.

Wisteria is easy to grow, but you will need to choose the planting location carefully. It LOVES the sun. Having wisteria on my pergola in the front court yard is wonderful because it’s one of the most rewarding introductions to spring when it blooms in its full glory. Neighbors’ and strangers stop by to admire the climbing beauties, and to take some time to smell the wisteria and enjoy the essence of the purple haze. We smile and nob hello. It gives you a chance to meet so many wonderful people who are captured by its beauty.

Did you know Wisteria is known to live for more than 100 years and you don’t have to go far to visit and experience a beautiful blooming 100 year old Wisteria that was planted by Phineas Banning’s Chinese cook, Charlie Lim Yong in the early 1880’s? You can find this beautiful Wisteria in the Banning Museum’s Howard Rose Garden. Wisteria’s regal elegance makes her the grand dame of the garden because of her tenure there.

The Banning Museum’s Howard Rose Garden was once the site of one of most popular events in Southern California for over 60 years. It was the Wisteria Festival sponsored by the Wilmington Women’s Club. The event was highlighted every spring with the blooming of the Wisteria and attracted as many as 7,000 visitors and dignitaries to see this beautiful vine.

Today, the Festival has been transformed into the Friends of Banning Museum’s annual fundraiser, Wisteria Regale. The Regale is typically held in the spring just as the original festival was to coincide with the blooming of the Wisteria. For more information, visit the museum website at www.banningmuseum.org. The Banning Museum is a facility of the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks and is operated in cooperation with the Friends of Banning Museum. The Banning Museum is a City, State and National Landmark.

So, while the world is a little nutty right now, we all must realize that, like the wisteria blossom, this crisis will not last forever. And with the extra time that we all have from not commuting, we have the opportunity to spend a few more moments every day in nature. And, nature, surely, is the best possible cure for our spirits and minds. So, take a walk, to notice the flowers, listen to the birds, and take a little deeper breath. This too shall pass.

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